Freshman Miller may get nod vs. UCLA

Freshman running back Anthony Miller has a chance to start at tailback for San Diego State in Saturday's season opener at UCLA. Head coach Brady Hoke said yesterday he's one of three candidates to get the call, including juniors Brandon Sullivan and Davon Brown.

Hoke said SDSU could have a rotation of three backs, with the starter being the “bell cow” of the group unless another back gets hot and earns more carries.

Miller's status as a possible starter signals that he at least will be part of that rotation while senior tailback Atiyyah Henderson remains sidelined with a fractured bone in his back. It also shows Miller has emerged among the three true freshman running backs. The other two — Walter Kazee and Ronnie Hillman — also are expected to travel to the opener and play this year.

Miller “probably at this time is the most polished of the younger guys,” Hoke said. “He's not the fastest of them, but he is a tough runner with the ball. For a bigger guy, he has the ability to make a shadow cut and has good balance.”

Two things might work in Miller's favor for the starting job against UCLA: Sullivan has been limited in practice recently because “bumps and bruises.” Miller and Sullivan also are considered the team's two best “power” backs — big players who can drag or run over defenders. SDSU has been emphasizing the power running game all preseason.

Having a power back “is a position we need right now in this offense,” quarterback Ryan Lindley said. “We need guys who can blow guys off the ball and get a couple of extra yards.”

Miller (6 feet, 220 pounds) was the only newcomer the Aztecs signed who is not from California. A graduate of Dallas Carter High, he was recruited to SDSU by offensive line coach Darrell Funk. Hoke said SDSU will continue to occasionally recruit Texas because of Funk's connections and the richness in high school talent there. Miller rushed for 1,025 yards on 131 carries as a senior.

Good signs

After three weeks of preseason practices, Hoke likes his team.

“We've been pretty physical, and we've had a pretty intense camp,” Hoke said. “I'm pleased with the way players have responded, and the seniors have responded.”

Said offensive coordinator
Al Borges:
“We've been working their butts off. We really have, and they've responded so well.”

UCLA bonds

Until recently, SDSU linebacker
Logan Ketchum
had to ponder the possibility of tackling his older brother Gavin, a UCLA receiver. But
Gavin Ketchum
lately hasn't practiced because of a hamstring injury and is doubtful to play Saturday.

Also until recently, Saturday's game presented the possibility that former SDSU quarterback
Kevin Craft
would play against his old team. But that looks unlikely unless something happens to freshman
Kevin Prince,
who supplanted Craft as starter.